Chapter Two

Marian knelt before the mother superior of Kirklese Abbey, heart pounding.

"Mother, I come seeking sanctuary."

The stern-looking woman moved forwards and helped Marian up.

"Child, we hold no honours or graces here. We are all equal in God's eyes. What is it you ask of me?"

Marian swallowed nervously. "I am with child."

"Ah." The nun turned back to Marian, face illuminated in the firelight. "An unmarried mother. You would not be the first. I myself came here in search of sanctuary, many years ago. You will take your vow?"

"Forgive me, mother, but I would prefer not to become a nun. I need somewhere to stay, perhaps for a year. I can pay my way." She held out a velvet bag that clinked mysteriously. The nun frowned.

"You are noble born then, not some beggar woman abused by a passing knight." It was not a question. Marian nodded.

"I need your help, mother. There may be a man who comes, a man dressed in black, and my condition must be concealed from him for mine and the child's safety."

"The father?"

Marian paused. "No. He believes he knows me, and would wish to marry me, but-"

The nun held up a hand, cutting off the flow of words.

"Enough. I have sympathies with you, for your plight is similar to what my own was. It was once necessary for me to conceal a pregnancy from my family. I was very young, seventeen or eighteen, I do not recall. I was raped by a man who called himself 'Vaizey'. He could not have been much older. But I came here, and the mother superior then, a woman named Jane looked after me, and concealed me within a nun's habit and robes. When the child was born, we sent it away and I took the vow. I have not regretted my decision. When your time comes, you may also take the vow and send your bastard away."

Marian, who was greatly shaken by this revelation that shed new light on the sheriff, laced her hands protectively over her stomach. "I intend to keep this child with me, and marry its father when the time comes."

The woman nodded. "I respect your spirit. I will do for you what Sister Jane did for me, back then. My name is Sister Kate."

This stirred something in Marian, although she was not sure what it was. "Thankyou, Sister Kate."

Sister Kate straightened up and removed a dagger from her belt. "You will be known as Sister…Sister?"

"Marian."

"Sister Marian. And if you are to be robed as a novice, you must cut your hair. To make wearing a habit much more easy."

Marian was startled. "My hair? It has only just grown back."

The nun looked at her interestedly. "Really. Come with me."

She led her to a small plain bathroom, where Marian disrobed and bathed, and then was dressed again in a novice's plain robes. She then knelt before Sister Kate and closed her eyes tightly as the dagger hacked around her head, feeling the long chestnut curls cascade to the floor, leaving her head feeling extremely light and bare. It was short, much shorter than it had been when they cut it for her punishment. It took a very long time, and when it was done Sister Kate showed her her reflection in a plate, saying that they did not allow vanity and therefore mirrors within the abbey. Marian eyed this new version of herself warily. Her head seemed small and vulnerable, its scalp covered in a wispy film of fluff. Her eyes seemed much bigger, and her neck much longer. It would take getting used to, for she was suddenly much changed, in more ways than one. Who was this new Marian? Who was Marian? She had been a noble tomboy, a betrothed and happy young woman, an abandoned and neglected waif, a rebellious and dangerous outlaw, and now a novice nun expecting a child. Who am I, she asked herself, and did not know the answer.

Sister Kate wrapped the habit around her head, and Marian stood, unsure of what to do next. She felt oddly weighed down by her new clothing, and yet also buoyant and light. She did not have to worry, at least for a little while. Until Guy came. She found herself hoping that if he were to come, it would be sooner rather than later. Marian was not sure that even these billowing skirts and sleeves could hide a swollen belly.